Stop & Shop, a supermarket chain with about 360 stores primarily located in the US northeast, has announced that it will stop selling cigarettes and tobacco products on August 31 as part of its commitment to community wellness. This decision follows in the footsteps of other major chains such as Walmart, CVS, and Target, all of which have ceased tobacco sales in recent years. Public health advocates have long been pushing for retailers to stop selling tobacco products, and some cities and states have even banned tobacco sales in pharmacies. The American Cancer Society has expressed its support for Stop & Shop’s decision, calling it a step in the right direction to reduce the influence of Big Tobacco on children.
In a statement, Stop & Shop president Gordon Reid emphasized the company’s responsibility as a grocer to promote better health outcomes for its associates, customers, and communities. The American Cancer Society has praised Stop & Shop’s decision to end tobacco sales and has urged state lawmakers to prioritize funding for tobacco control programs to support those who are inspired to quit by this effort. While Walmart, CVS, and Target have already stopped selling tobacco products in their stores, other major chains like Publix, Albertson’s, Kroger, and some Costco locations continue to sell cigarettes and tobacco.
Owned by Dutch company Ahold Delhaize, Stop & Shop’s decision to stop selling cigarettes and tobacco products aligns with the company’s commitment to community wellness. The move reflects a growing trend among major retailers to end tobacco sales in support of public health efforts to reduce smoking rates and tobacco-related illnesses. By eliminating the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products, Stop & Shop is taking a bold step towards promoting a healthier environment for its customers and communities. The company’s decision has been met with support from public health advocates and the American Cancer Society, who view it as a positive step towards reducing the impact of tobacco on public health.
The announcement by Stop & Shop to stop selling cigarettes and tobacco products comes at a time when the harmful effects of smoking are well-documented, and public awareness of the dangers of tobacco use is increasing. By taking a proactive stance on tobacco sales, Stop & Shop is setting an example for other retailers to prioritize community health and well-being. While some major chains continue to sell cigarettes and tobacco, Stop & Shop’s decision sends a strong message about the importance of promoting wellness and preventing tobacco-related illnesses. This move underscores the company’s commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen and contributing to the overall well-being of its customers and communities.
As a major supermarket chain with a significant presence in the US northeast, Stop & Shop’s decision to end tobacco sales will have a tangible impact on the availability of cigarettes and tobacco products in the region. By aligning its business practices with principles of community wellness and public health, Stop & Shop is demonstrating leadership in the retail industry and setting a positive example for other companies to follow. The company’s partnership with the American Cancer Society and its support for tobacco control programs further highlight its commitment to improving health outcomes and reducing the toll of tobacco on individuals and communities. Stop & Shop’s decision to stop selling cigarettes and tobacco products is a significant step towards creating a healthier environment for its customers and promoting overall well-being within the communities it serves.
